What Is 1st Children's and Family Emmy Awards

Overview

The 1st Children's and Family Emmy Awards marked a historic milestone in television recognition, establishing a dedicated platform for honoring excellence in children’s and family programming. Prior to 2022, such content was recognized within broader Emmy categories, but growing demand for specialized acknowledgment led NATAS to create a standalone event.

This inaugural ceremony celebrated shows and performances that prioritize educational value, inclusivity, and positive messaging for younger audiences. By focusing exclusively on content for children and families, the awards highlight the cultural and artistic significance of programming designed for formative viewing experiences.

• Eligibility period for the 1st Children's and Family Emmys ran from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022, covering a full year of eligible content across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms.
• The ceremony was held on December 10, 2022, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, marking the first time this venue hosted the event.
• It was streamed live on Disney+, making it widely accessible to global audiences and emphasizing the platform's role in family entertainment.
• The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) organized the event, separating it from the Primetime Emmys to better serve niche genres.
• A total of 35 award categories were presented, including Outstanding Preschool Series, Outstanding Children’s or Family Series, and individual performance and writing honors.

How It Works

The Children's and Family Emmy Awards follow a structured process for nominations, voting, and recognition, mirroring other Emmy events but tailored to youth-focused content. Eligible programs must meet specific age-targeting and content guidelines to qualify.

• Eligibility Criteria: Programs must be primarily aimed at viewers 18 years old and younger and aired during the designated eligibility window on U.S. networks or platforms.
• Nomination Process: Entries are submitted by producers, then reviewed by NATAS-appointed peer review panels to determine the final nominees in each category.
• Voting Members: Only active members of NATAS in children’s and animation branches are eligible to vote, ensuring industry expertise in the selection process.
• Award Categories: Awards are divided into performance, series, writing, directing, and technical fields, with distinctions for preschool, children’s, and teen programming.
• Streaming Inclusion: Unlike earlier years, streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ are fully eligible, reflecting modern viewing habits.
• Host and Format: The 2022 event was hosted by Nikki Reed and featured live performances, tributes, and pre-taped segments to engage younger audiences.

Comparison at a Glance

Understanding the Children's and Family Emmys is easier when compared to other major award shows in structure, audience, and eligibility.

While the Kids' Choice Awards are fan-voted and entertainment-focused, the Children's and Family Emmys emphasize artistic merit and industry standards. This distinction positions the Emmys as a more rigorous and prestigious honor for creators in the space.

Why It Matters

The creation of a standalone Children's and Family Emmy Awards underscores the growing importance and sophistication of youth-oriented media. As streaming services invest heavily in family content, formal recognition validates creative excellence in a historically underserved category.

• Encourages higher production standards by rewarding quality writing, acting, and animation in children’s programming.
• Recognizes diverse voices, with categories promoting inclusivity in storytelling and representation on screen.
• Boosts visibility for educational content, helping schools and parents identify award-winning, age-appropriate shows.
• Supports industry careers by giving child actors, animators, and writers a respected platform for recognition.
• Aligns with global trends, as international broadcasters look to U.S. standards for children’s media excellence.
• Adapts to modern viewing, acknowledging that children now consume content primarily through on-demand platforms rather than traditional TV.

By establishing a dedicated awards body, NATAS has elevated children’s programming to the same level of prestige as adult-focused genres, ensuring that impactful stories for young audiences receive the acclaim they deserve.